Pipelay reel with flange chute and method of use

A method of using a pipelay reel system, the method comprising:

• coupling an initiation line to an adapter arranged at a starting end of a pipe;
• rotating a pipelay reel about a longitudinal axis, the pipelay reel having a drum arranged between two flanges, and a flange chute arranged on at least one flange of the two flanges, the flange chute having an opening arranged on an edge of the at least one flange and configured to receive the adapter;
• using the initiation line, pulling the adapter along an axis intersecting the opening of the flange chute at a radial location of the flange chute until the adapter engages the flange chute at the opening;
• rotating the pipelay reel, such that the adapter slides down the chute toward the drum;
• and
• activating a latch to secure the adapter within the flange chute.

A pipelay reel comprising:

• a drum having a longitudinal axis, the drum configured to rotate about the longitudinal axis and further configured for spooling and unspooling a pipe;
• a pair of flanges, each flange arranged at an end of the longitudinal axis of the drum, wherein each flange comprises a flange extension portion extending beyond an outer surface of the drum;
• and
• a flange chute arranged on a flange extension portion of at least one of the pair of flanges, the flange chute having a length extending perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the drum, wherein the flange chute comprises a latch arranged at an end of the flange chute adjacent the drum.